www.ItsNotMental.com Children whose brain is affected by medical/biomedical, neurobiological, metabolic, functional problems, although not of a psychological/emotional origin, may still be diagnosed as what society euphemistically refers to as "mental illness."
Isn't it time to start calling those illnesses what they really are--ILLNESS--same as any other? (Español)

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Saturday, September 6, 2014

Why We Use Nutritional Supplementation for "Mental" Illness

Readers know that I am an avid proponent for the rational, medical use of nutritional supplements, when appropriate, for cases of "mental" illness which are medical, or have, a medical component. And after all, the psychiatric community increasingly is saying that schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other major "mental" illnesses, are actually medical conditions, although I have yet to see many psychiatric facilities treat people there the same way as at regular medical clinics and hospitals.

As readers of my book know, my family is among the increasing number of families that have "cured" illnesses affecting brain function that had been diagnosed as bipolar disorder and major depression, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia. Dietary changes along with specific nutritional supplements, and in some cases hormonal medications (such as for thyroid conditions), have been the core of successful treatment.

I used to wonder more about the biological underpinnings of this need, however more recent research into genetic variations leading to such diagnoses have been very revealing. By now, most people are aware of the 2014 blockbuster announcement by researchers (reported in the July 24, 2014, edition of Nature [1]) who have found 108 genetic regions with tiny variations (single-nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) that were significantly associated with schizophrenia risk (and of course, as other research showed - schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are genetically related). [2]

It may come as no surprise that the strongest association detected were with the genes related to immune system function. We have talked before both in my book and on this website about how our immune system relates to brain function and how our gut is intimately connected to our immune health[3]. In addition, doctors have previously mentioned the role of possible methylation problems in individuals. Indeed, the bottom line here is exactly what I had observed in my own children -- there was no one single "reason" for their illnesses affecting brain function, but rather, "a perfect storm."

The researchers found overlap between the protein-related functions of some linked common variants and rare variants associated with schizophrenia in other studies. These included genes involved in learning and memory, the machinery controlling calcium ion channels, and communication between neurons via the chemical messenger glutamate.

“These results underscore that genetic programming affects the brain in tiny, incremental ways that can increase the risk for developing schizophrenia,” says Dr. Thomas Lehner, who heads NIMH’s genomics research branch. “They also validate the strategy of examining both common and rare variation to understand this complex disorder.”

Is it any wonder then, that dietary changes (such as eliminating gluten and dairy, and focusing on organic whole foods), attention to gut health (probiotics), vitamins/mineral/herbal supplementation (including the methylated forms of some B vitamins, and Truehope's EMPowerPlus or Hardy's Daily Essential Nutrients), overall lifestyle changes, and attending to any hormonal deficiencies we may have (such as thyroid[4]), concentrating on sleep[5][6][7] (See: Sleep- Timing of Melatonin, Light, Dark, & Use of Other Aids for supplements and other treatment ideas), stress [8][9][10], allergies[11], and an emotionally and physically healthy environment, can promote recovery in individuals previously declared to have these supposedly lifelong psychiatric illnesses.

The American Psychiatric Association highlighted micronutrients as an effective treatment for mental illness this month. My own doctor recommended Hardy Nutritonal's Daily Essential Nutrients (an affordable micronutrient supplement) YEARS ago, and I have been successful and med-free ever since. It's great to see the medical professional industry rally behind a natural supplement for mental wellbeing.

You can read more about the practical use of micronutrients in this news article: bit.ly/1KThKCN

or on this popular natural health blog: http://www.getbalancednaturally.com/psychiatry/ As someone who both uses Daily Essential Nutrients and works in the medical industry, I personally believe we should strive to get the word out about viable, affordable, natural treatments like this.

Do you know someone with any or all of the following? * sleep problems * mood swings * anxiety * hallucinations * migraines * allergies * body painIt is time to think outside the box and obtain meaningful HELP. Want to read about how another family successfully and lovingly helped their loved ones? Want to know about service dogs, genetics, testing, supplements, school, legal matters, etc. dealt with by another family?

Every person with any of these issues in the family tree, or any disorder for which the doctors don't know a medical cause for strange symptoms, should read this book! (Read more about this book here)

DISCLAIMER: We are just regular people blogging and commenting here. We are just sharing our OWN experiences. Therefore, nothing on this site is to be taken as medical or legal advice! Do not start, stop, or change medications, supplements, exercise programs, diet, sleep regimens, etc. without consulting a doctor.